Hasbrouck Heights Patch Turns Two, An Editor's Reflection

I was driving along the Boulevard the other day coming back from covering a story and out of nowhere my memory of driving down this road for the very first time just flooded back to me.

It’s not a very old memory. In fact it can’t be more than 3-years old. I was driving a rented U-Haul van loaded with some of my boxes making a first of many trips as I was moving to Wood-Ridge that fall. My first thoughts when I turned onto the Boulevard off Route 46 was that although I grew up relatively close I really didn’t know this area well at all.  

My husband-to-be grew up in Hasbrouck Heights. As we were driving down the Boulevard that day I remember thinking it looked like it was a really nice town to grow up in and I looked forward to getting to know the area better.

That was just one year before I really and truly would get that chance.

On Nov. 15, 2010 I started my very first day at Patch. From that day forward I began to spend every hour of every day getting to know the great town of Hasbrouck Heights as I prepared for the Dec. 8, 2010 launch of this Patch news site. 

That was two years ago today. Happy Birthday, Hasbrouck Heights Patch!

It seems like quite a long time ago. I most certainly don’t feel like a stranger in this town. In fact I feel very much a part of it and that is thanks to each and every one of you who have been so supportive and cooperative helping to make this Patch a success.

Thank you to all those who continuously reach out to me with news and that includes everyone from the borough leaders, the police, fire and school officials, club leaders, organization heads, the business owners, anyone of the folks I happen to have the pleasure of meeting on the street, and of course you the reader.   

I must also give a big thanks to the many writers and photographers who have been a great part of Patch over the years and the many bloggers and contributors as well.

Through my years as a journalist I have had the pleasure of working in some pretty great communities but I must tell you Hasbrouck Heights, you are truly at the top of my list. 

This town just has such great strong community spirit and I get the pleasure of covering many of the great events that are born from that spirit. Of course, it can’t always be good news as bad things just do happen. But what must be said about this community is that it always comes together and stands strong. Whether it’s helping out one of your own when one is in trouble or your neighbors next door, Hasbrouck Heights folks always come through. 

I truly do enjoy what I do and am grateful everyday for Patch and having the opportunity to do what I do.

Thanks for helping to bring Patch to where it is today. I always look forward to getting more news tips. So keep on sending ‘em!

You always know where to find me anytime, day or night. I’m never more than an e-mail, text, Tweet Facebook message or a phone call away.

- Alana Quartuccio